Born to John (1877-1941) and Maude (1881-1956) Dille in Chesteron, Indiana, Dille played basketball and baseball in high school but after graduation went to work. He played married and started a family before joining Hammond to play in the 1940-41 season. Ineligible for the military because of his family status, he started college at 26 and played for Valpo during the war. After graduation, he played for the Detroit Falcons in the BAA. He then went on to coach basketball for many years.